Russia could lift swine import ban for Spain, Denmark

The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance Rosselkhoznadzor considers lifting its ban on cattle, sheep, goat and hog imports for several European Union countries, the service's head Sergey Dankvert announced.

Dankvert pointed out that the ban could be lifted for Denmark and Spain first.

"If someone proves that they have a system, we will lift the restrictions. Our evidence basis differs from that of Europe. Denmark works efficiently and we will review their issue. Spain has limited the potential number of hog suppliers after the ban,” said Dankvert. "Germany did the same, however, it turned out that its federal service did not have the right to issue export permits."

No lift for allDankvert emphasised that the ban will not be lifted for all countries, since not all of them can guarantee the safety of their products.

Russia banned import of livestock, sheep, goats and hogs from EU member states as of March 20 due to the spread of Schmallenberg virus in Europe.